MIAMI BASKETBALL

RedHawks seek encore performance against Flashes

By MIKE SMITH
Coming off a 71-64 home court loss to Ohio, the Kent State Golden Flashes hope to get back on the winning side when they host Miami Tuesday (7 p.m. ET). The RedHawks, meanwhile, would like to keep some momentum after pulling off one of the MAC's biggest "upset" Saturday when MU knocked off previously MAC-undefeated Akron 70-68.

Akron and Kent were picked one and two, respectively, in the preseason coaches poll. While the Zips have performed like the top team, KSU has sputtered. Like Miami, the Flashes are 10-10 overall. However, Kent State's loss to Ohio dropped it to 3-5 in conference action. MU is 4-4, tied for sixth place in the MAC standings.

Although Ohio opened . . .

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. . . up a 59-48 lead at 9:01 in Friday's tilt, Kent State remained within striking distance and was down by just three (63-60) at 2:48. However, the Bobcats held KSU off for their first win in Kent since 2014. 

Senior guard Tyem Freeman led the Flashes with 16 points and came up just short of a double double with nine rebounds -- all in 22 minutes off the bench. Chris Payton Jr. contributed 13 points and Voncameron Davis added 11 points. 

Ohio had just one more field goal overall and KSU owned a two-point edge in made free throws. However, The Flashes connected on a paltry 4 of 23 (17.4%) from outside the arc. The 'Cats hit 11 of 29 from long distance. 

-- On the year, Sullinger leads KSU scoers with an average of 14.7 ppg. Payton (13.9 ppg) and Davis (12.5) are also in double figures. 
Payton is the top rebounder (7.7 rpg). 
Freeman is second among MAC players in 3-point goal percentage, connecting on 20 of 39 (51.3%)

-- Kent State has one of the MAC's top offenses, ranking second with an average of 778 ppg. The Flashes are eighth in scoring defense, surrendering 74.5 ppg.

-- KSU is seventh in field goal percentage (43.5%) and fifth in 3-point shooting (35.9%).

-- The Flashes are third in turnover margin (1.50).

-- It's been more than a year since Kent State and Miami met on the basketball court. KSU won that Jan. 27, 2023 game 69-66. Kent State's Sincere Carry scored 31 points to lead all scorers. 

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-- Miami shot 51.1 percent from the field against Akron. 

-- Although the RedHawks rank last in rebounding overall, they outrebounded UA 33-32. 

-- Miami outscored UA in the paint, 26-12. 

-- Four RedHawks reached double figures, led by Ander Mirambeaux's 19 points. Darweshi Hunter and Eian Elmer scored 13 points each, while Evan Ipsaro contributed 10 points. It was Ipsaro's first time in double figures since Dec. 29 when he scored 17 against Wilberforce. Injuries limited his playing time and he had just two points after the MAC opener against Western Michigan when he was injured.

-- Hunter, a transfer from Northern Illinois,  has hit three buzzer-beater shots leading to wins and/or overtime this season. 

-- Miami ranks second in 3-point goal percentage (37.5%) and is first in defending the three (29.8%). The RedHawks are second (behind Toledo) in overall field goal percentage (47.0%). 

-- Ball movement has been a improved through the course of the year, and MU leads the conference in assists (15.5 per game). 

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